It is commonly asserted, especially among atheists, that belief in an afterlife cools oneís enthusiasms for this life on earth. This God-centered or theocentric view allegedly prevents human beings from truly being themselves and living up to their full potential. As a consequence, they fail to appreciate fully the richness and rewards of this world.

The more I follow the online discussions ... the more I follow the debates and disagreements in the Church about administrative unity, or the concerns expressed about the moral or personal or administrative or leadership failings of the bishops or the clergy, the more I become convinced that whatever might be the truth of these concerns, ALL of this is simply a distraction. No, itís more than that. Itís a justification, an excuse, for not helping each other and those outside the Church fall in love with Jesus Christ. How easy it is to talk about everything, but about Jesus hardly at all.

It is commonly asserted, especially among atheists, that belief in an afterlife cools oneís enthusiasms for this life on earth. This God-centered or theocentric view allegedly prevents human beings from truly being themselves and living up to their full potential. As a consequence, they fail to appreciate fully the richness and rewards of this world.

Huh? ".....cools one's enthusiasms..." Sorry atheists, it does just the opposite.

What I thought as well.

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The more I follow the online discussions ... the more I follow the debates and disagreements in the Church about administrative unity, or the concerns expressed about the moral or personal or administrative or leadership failings of the bishops or the clergy, the more I become convinced that whatever might be the truth of these concerns, ALL of this is simply a distraction. No, itís more than that. Itís a justification, an excuse, for not helping each other and those outside the Church fall in love with Jesus Christ. How easy it is to talk about everything, but about Jesus hardly at all.

I suppose a mouse in the cage makes more of his life, than one that lives open and free?

Are you implying the Christian belief in the afterlife cages a person?

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The more I follow the online discussions ... the more I follow the debates and disagreements in the Church about administrative unity, or the concerns expressed about the moral or personal or administrative or leadership failings of the bishops or the clergy, the more I become convinced that whatever might be the truth of these concerns, ALL of this is simply a distraction. No, itís more than that. Itís a justification, an excuse, for not helping each other and those outside the Church fall in love with Jesus Christ. How easy it is to talk about everything, but about Jesus hardly at all.

It diminishes man in that it should put his earthly life in perspective and make him more humble. A diminution that is IMO beneficial.

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"As he came from his mother's womb, naked shall he return,To go as he came;And he shall take nothing of his labor;Which he may carry away in his hand" Ecclesiastes 5:15
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts."But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6: 20-21

Orthodox Christianity teaches that there is continuity between this life and the next. A true Christian does not think of himself as someone standing at a bus stop and doing nothing more than waiting for the bus (that will take him to heaven). He understands that what he does in this life determines his reward in the next. If we are faithful to the commandment to love God, ourselves, and our neighbors, that love will secure our place in heaven.

This is both a statement for and against that statement. I would submit that while there is a continuity between this life and the next it is just that continuity this is used to justify just about every injustice known to man.

This, I think, is the view of people who claim that man is diminished by believe in an afterlife.

The more I follow the online discussions ... the more I follow the debates and disagreements in the Church about administrative unity, or the concerns expressed about the moral or personal or administrative or leadership failings of the bishops or the clergy, the more I become convinced that whatever might be the truth of these concerns, ALL of this is simply a distraction. No, itís more than that. Itís a justification, an excuse, for not helping each other and those outside the Church fall in love with Jesus Christ. How easy it is to talk about everything, but about Jesus hardly at all.

I've never heard an atheist say such a thing.
Though obviously, it rings true with certain specific beliefs for certain peoples, but i'd rather not drag this thread off topic.
I wouldn't say "diminished" mind you.